Postthrombotic Syndrome, PTS for short, is a condition that occurs in a significant number of patients after they have a DVT. The symptoms can include but are not limited to itching, swelling, discoloration, cramping, and severe pain. It is believed to be caused by a reflux of the blood when it gets to the location of the DVT.
PTS is dangerous because it can lead to tissue hypoxia, as well as ulceration. Also, depending on the place of the reflux, it can cause bleeding into the abdomen and other places.
Below is a link to an excellent article by Dr. Susan S. Khan and Dr. Jeffrey S. Ginsberg.
Pictured is the one time this happened in my arm, circa February 2006. I've had it occur many times in my leg but my leg is always so swollen and discolored there isn't much contrast. But this surprise PTS in my arm really stood out.
1 comments:
Tony,
Here is a link to a newsletter from the National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia (NATT) which covers the PTS issue:
http://www.nattinfo.org/Newsletters/Natt_Newsletter_Spring_2006.pdf
r/
Tom
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